Hamilton collects F1 trophy and longing for extra

ST PETERSBURG, Russia (Reuters) – Lewis Hamilton appeared ahead to extra success with Mercedes after accumulating his fifth Method One world champion’s trophy on the governing FIA’s gala awards on Friday.

Britain’s most profitable racing driver, and solely the third man to win no less than 5 titles, additionally gained a media vote for persona of the yr — denying Pink Bull rival Max Verstappen a fourth in a row.

“It does really feel unbelievable,” the 33-year-old instructed the viewers gathered within the Grand Corridor of the St Petersburg Philarmonia, after FIA president Jean Todt had handed him his trophy.

Requested whether or not matching Michael Schumacher’s report seven championships was his final objective, Hamilton stated he had by no means set that as a goal.

He made clear, nonetheless, that he could be round lengthy sufficient to provide it a strive.

“I’ve simply signed for an additional two years…so I’m excited in regards to the subsequent couple of years,” stated the champion, who gained 11 races out of 21 this yr. “However proper now I’m pleased that the racing’s over.

“Subsequent yr’s going to be so powerful, the seasons are getting longer and longer. I don’t know the way lengthy I’m going to go, presently two years sounds good for me.

“However I nonetheless love racing so possibly I’ll be going rather a lot longer. Who is aware of?”

Hamilton, who stated additionally that his mother and father had wished to be current however had an issue with the Russian visa course of, had earlier been a no-show at an official information convention.

Mercedes stated he had not felt “100 %”.

Ferrari’s runner-up Sebastian Vettel and third-placed Finnish group mate Kimi Raikkonen have been additionally on stage, the latter earlier seen brandishing a cigar and looking out like he was having fun with the celebration.

“Kimi has loved tonight rather a lot,” noticed the present presenter.

Mercedes group boss Toto Wolff was introduced with the constructors’ trophy by moustachioed Method One chief government Chase Carey — the group’s fifth in a row.

Wolff and his group’s non-executive chairman Niki Lauda have been additionally recipients of the FIA president’s particular award, with the triple world champion absent as he recovers from a lung transplant.

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“He sends his regards, he’s recovering very properly,” stated Wolff. “Subsequent time he’s going to be right here.”

Charles Leclerc, Vettel’s group mate at Ferrari subsequent yr, was the rookie of the yr for the second successive season after profitable the Method Two title in 2017.

The Motion of the Yr, voted by followers worldwide, went to Finnish rally driver Teemu Suninen for an enormous slide on his house occasion.